Approved driving instructor (ADI) part 1 test

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When you arrive at the test centre

You must arrive 15 minutes before your approved driving instructor (ADI) part 1 test starts.

If you’re late for your test, it will be cancelled and you’ll lose your money. You’ll then have to book another test.

There is no waiting area at the test centre for any adults or children who come with you.

Before you enter the test centre

You must turn off all electronic devices before you enter the test centre. This includes:

  • mobile phones
  • smart watches
  • fitness tracking devices

You will not be allowed to take your test if you bring a device you cannot turn off.

Monitoring devices for medical conditions

You can use your monitoring device for a medical condition, but the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) must have approved this when you booked your theory test.

If you did not tell DVSA about your monitoring device when you booked your test, you need to cancel your current ADI part 1 test appointment. You will get a full refund if you give at least 3 clear working days’ notice.

You can then book a new ADI part 1 test. When you start your booking, select ‘Yes’ when asked if you need support when you take your test.

Personal belongings

You can only take personal belongings into the test room if they were approved by DVSA when you booked your test.

You must store your personal items in a locker. These include:

  • small bags (do not bring large bags with you)
  • coats and jackets
  • hats or caps
  • earphones
  • mobile phones
  • watches
  • wallets and purses
  • books and pens
  • anything in your pockets

If your test centre does not have lockers, you must put your belongings in a clear plastic box that will be given to you. The box will be kept in a safe place while you take your test.

Identity and security checks

You’ll need to pass identity and security checks before you can take your theory test.

Identity checks

The test centre staff will need to see your face so they can check you’re the person in your photo ID.

If you’re wearing headgear for religious or cultural reasons, you’ll need to remove it so your face can be seen. You’ll be allowed to do this in a private area with a female member of staff where possible.

Security checks

The test centre staff will check if you have anything with you that could be used to cheat at the test. You will not be allowed to take your test if you do not let them check.

They will not touch you during the security check, but they will ask you to:

  • empty your pockets
  • roll up your sleeves
  • pat yourself down
  • show the top of your socks
  • stay still while they pass a handheld metal detector around you
  • show them your ears to make sure you do not have a hidden earpiece

It’s illegal to cheat at the theory test. You can be sent to prison and banned from driving.

View a printable version of the whole guide

Part of Become a car driving instructor: step by step

  1. Step 1 Check if you can become an instructor

    1. Check if the role is right for you on the Safe Driving for Life website
    2. Check you're eligible to become a driving instructor
    3. Find out about the skills and knowledge you need

  2. Step 2 Apply to become a driving instructor

    You must get a new Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check to start your application, even if you already have one.

    1. Get a DBS check £8.22

    You need to agree to the responsibilities set out in the 'ADI register guide' before you apply.

    1. Read about driving instructor responsibilities
    1. Start your application

  3. Step 3 Get a trainer

    Get a registered trainer to help you prepare for the 3 qualifying tests.

    1. Find driving instructor training courses

  4. Step 4 Take the theory test (ADI part 1)

    1. Revise and practise for your test
    2. What you need for your test
    3. Find a theory test centre
    4. Book your test £81

    Once you've passed the theory test, you must pass the other parts of the test within 2 years or you'll have to start the whole process again.

  5. Step 5 Take the driving ability test (ADI part 2)

    1. What happens during the test
    2. What you need for your test
    3. Find a driving test centre
    4. Book your test £111

  6. Step 6 Get practice teaching

    If you’ve passed ADI part 2 you have the option to apply for a 6 month trainee licence to get experience teaching students.

    1. Find out about trainee instructor licences
    2. Apply for a trainee instructor licence £140

  7. Step 7 Take the instructional ability test (ADI part 3)

    1. What happens during the test
    2. What you need for your test
    3. Find a driving test centre
    4. Book your test £111

  8. Step 8 Register and start working as an instructor

    Once you've passed the tests you must register within 12 months.

    1. Register for your first ADI certificate £300

    When you have your certificate you can start charging for lessons. You can either:

    You'll have at least one standards check every 4 years. You also need to renew your registration and get a new DBS check every 4 years.

    1. Find out about ADI standards checks
    2. Renew your registration £300
    3. Improve your skills as an instructor